Are you a first responder facing mental health challenges? Homewood Health Centre can help. Find out more

Guardians Program

Homewood Health’s Guardians Program is one of the few inpatient treatment programs of its kind in Canada. Designed to support first responders, military personnel, and veterans who are living with anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and/or the impacts of trauma (i.e. PTSD, operational stress) as stand-alone conditions or concurrent disorders.

Our integrated and transdiagnostic approach is evidence-based, developed with leading experts, and accounts for extensive patient feedback. It is uniquely tailored to the needs of this population and their experiences both in and out of uniform.

We're here to help

Homewood Health has a long history as a leader in the treatment of eating disorders, mental health, trauma, addiction and concurrent disorders and we can advise on a treatment program that would be best suited for you.

Program Highlights

Our multidisciplinary, physician-led team provides care that helps patients address the physical, psychological and social aspects of living with the impacts of trauma, anxiety, depression or substance use disorder.
Cognitive Processing Therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is delivered in one-on-one sessions with a registered psychotherapist. Through these evidence-based therapeutic modalities, patients will explore, challenge, and change harmful beliefs and emotions.
Regular Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills groups help patients develop a new range of skills to tolerate distress, regulate emotions, cultivate mindfulness, and engage more effectively in relationships.
Group sessions focused on the occupational context of first responders, military personnel, and veterans allow them to explore and address their work’s unique impacts and implications on their well-being and relationships.
Program is designed to treat those living with the symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder as stand-alone or concurrent mental health concerns, who require a structured, intensive, medically-based treatment program.

Outstanding Outcomes in Reducing Trauma Symptoms

Guardians patients are assessed at intake and discharge using several tools, including a self-rated assessment tool (PCL-5). Based on data from May 2020 to May 2021, 79% of patients saw a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms at program completion.

We also monitor patient satisfaction regularly to assist with quality control and to ensure Homewood Health Centre patients receive the highest quality care. Based on the recent data collected in 2022, The program met the needs of 100% of patients, 92% would recommend the program, 85% would come back, and the overall program rating was 92%.

Contact our friendly intake team: 1-866-839-2594

For additional information on admissions, health care professional referrals, or for answers to any other questions – contact us.

Other Treatment Programs

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Traumatic Stress Injury and Concurrent Program – Cornerstone

Dedicated to adults who are struggling with the symptoms of trauma(s), occupational injury, or with co-occurring trauma and addiction.

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Addiction Medicine Program – Substance Use

A nationally recognized flagship program combining 24/7 medical care, withdrawal management and a skilled interdisciplinary team.

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Addiction Medicine Program – Mood, Anxiety, Concurrent

Comprehensive medical and clinical care for individuals dealing with substance use issues and the symptoms of mood/anxiety disorders.

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Addiction Medicine Program – Health Care Provider Stream

Designed specifically for health care workers experiencing challenges related to substance use and concurrent issues relating to mood and or anxiety.

Interventional Psychiatry Service

Uses various treatments and novel psychopharmacological agents to provide care for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions.

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Integrated Mood and Anxiety Program

Helping adults better understand their anxiety, related mood disorders, effectively manage symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.

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Integrated Mood & Anxiety Program – Plus

Uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help support mature adults experiencing some mobility challenges or mild cognitive deficits.

Our Expertise in Treating Co-Occurring and Complex Conditions

Homewood has extensive experience in treating complex and co-occurring disorders. It is often the case that individuals may be suffering from multiple conditions, which can complicate recovery if not identified and addressed. Our clinical approach is designed to help build an understanding of how different issues may affect the individual and employ evidence-based treatment that provides the foundation, knowledge and tools necessary to address these conditions and help build the skills required to sustain long-term recovery.

Other Ways Homewood Can help

Information for Families

At Homewood Health we recognize that family and/or friends are an important part of a patient’s social support system, and family/friend involvement is determined based on the patient’s individual needs.

How to Help Someone you Care About

If you feel that someone’s mental health issue or substance use is impacting their ability to function well, there are ways to initiate the conversation and show that you care.

Resources

Visit the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (www.ccsa.ca) for up-to-date information on drugs. This information can help inform you before having conversations about problematic substance use.